A strong sea was running, although the sun shone brightly. We were evidently somewhere in the Channel, but from my porthole I could see no land.
Again and again I battered furiously, until of a sudden I heard gruff voices, and the door was unlocked and opened cautiously, disclosing two rough-looking bronzed seamen, dark-bearded and dressed in patched and faded dungareen.
Well, mister, exclaimed the elder of the two, whats the fuss?
No fuss at all, I responded. I only want to be let out.
No doubt, he responded, with a grin at his companion. Youd like a breath of fresh air eh?
Yes, I should.
But sea-air aint good for your constitution mister, so youll have to stop here. Youve got a cabin all to yourself, so what more do you want? Perhaps youd like a bloomin saloon?
Look here, my man, I said, as calmly as I could, just do me a favour and ask your captain to step down here. Id like to speak to him before the farce proceeds further. Youre only obeying orders by locking me up here, of that Im sure. But just tell the captain that Im better, and want to have a word with him.
Both men looked somewhat surprised.
We were goin to have a look at you in a few minutes, and see whether youd come to, if you hadnt have kicked up such a confounded row.
Well, go and tell the captain I want to see him, I said, endeavouring to smile.
All right, sir, I will, answered the man; but Ill have to lock the door again.
Very well, I laughed. Only dont starve me, remember. The situation seemed humorous.
Both men grinned broadly; the door was closed, and I heard one remark to the other in true cockney English
E aint such a vilent fellow, after all, Bill. Five minutes later the door was again opened, and a burly, full-bearded, black-eyed man in a pea-jacket and peaked cap entered the cabin.
You are the captain, I presume? I said.
Thats me, he answered, leaning against the wooden partition opposite my bunk.
Well, I said, Id like to know by what right you lock me up here? Ive been unconscious for a long time, and on coming to myself, I find Im here onboard your ship at sea, imprisoned, and not allowed out.
Youre in here for the benefit of your health, he answered roughly. A sea voyagell do you good.
Then perhaps youll tell me the name of the ship on board which Im taking this pleasure trip? I said sarcastically.
Better find that out.
No very difficult matter, I suppose, I answered quite coolly. Only I should like to point out that even though you may be skipper of this coal hulk, you have no right to imprison me here.
I shall do just as I like, cocky, he responded. And further, youd best be quiet and keep a still tongue, or perhaps you wont see land again.
Thats certainly a very genteel speech, I said; and perhaps the British Consul at your port of destination will have something to say regarding your conduct.
I dont care a brass button for all the blanked consuls in the whole Consular Service, he replied, with a coarse laugh. You are on board my ship, and Ill give you to understand now, once and for all, that Im master here.
Perhaps youll pipe to a different tune when your masters certificate is suspended for a year or two.
It ud take a better man than you to suspend it. While youre on board this craft, itll be a wise policy to keep a still tongue in your head.
And it will be wiser if you allow me my liberty, and just tell me how and why I came aboard here.
You were brought here, but for what reason I dont know.
And who brought me here?
I dont know. I wasnt on board when you arrived.
The ship was lying in the Thames, wasnt it?
Yes, he answered. It wasnt on Clapham Common, thats a certainty.
And where are we now?
At sea.
Im aware of that, but in what sea the Channel, the North Sea, or the Atlantic?
Youll know soon enough. Just breathe the ozone, and make yourself comfortable. Thats all you have to do, he responded, with his bearded chin thrust forward, in an air of unconcern.
Well, you havent provided many creature comforts for me, I remarked, with a glance round the stuffy little place.
No, this isnt exactly a Cunarder, he admitted. But Ill tell the men to bring you some grub, at any rate. Like some duff?
Youre very kind; but Id rather take a walk on deck in order to get an appetite.
No; the suns a bit too strong, he answered waggishly. You might get sunstroke, you know.
I shall be asphyxiated if I remain here.
Well, thats a comfortable death, I believe. More than one chap has died for want o breath in the hold of this ship when weve been trimmin coal.
Then you refuse me my liberty? I said, feeling that to argue pleasantly was useless.
Yes, youve got to stay ere.
By whose orders?
Thats my own business, he growled.
And mine also, I responded firmly. You may be skipper of this craft, but you are not a gaoler, you know.
Im your gaoler, at any rate.
That remains to be seen, I answered. I suppose youve been paid to take me out of the country, like this; but I may as well warn you that you are aiding and abetting a murder, and that when you get ashore youll find yourself in a very nasty position.
With the Consul, eh? he laughed. Well, theyre a decent lot, as a rule. We dont get much trouble with em if we deposit our papers in order.
But if I demanded your arrest for illegal imprisonment?
I dont fancy youd do that, mister, he responded with sarcasm. It might be a bit of a bother for me in England, but the foreign police are a bit chary of touching a British captn.
There was, I knew, some truth in that. Yet I did not intend to remain cooped up there, a prisoner, for the remainder of the voyage.
Well, now, look here, I said, in a more conciliatory tone. Why are you not frank with me?
Because you aint responsible for your actions.
And thats why you wont allow me on deck? He nodded.
Then I suppose when I was handed over to your tender charge they told you I was a lunatic?
Well, they said youd better be kept under restraint. I was told that youd had a bad touch of the blues, it seems.
And yet you took me aboard while I was unconscious, I said. That was scarcely a wise proceeding was it?
You were here when I returned; Ive told you I found you here.
Then you mean to tell me that you dont know who paid you to take me on this pleasure trip?
No, I dont. Ive only received orders, and just observed them.
Orders from whom?
From my owners.
Your owners! What possible interest could your owners have in shipping me aboard while I was unconscious? Who are they?
Hanways, of Newcastle.
And what ship is this?
The Petrel, of Newcastle.
Bound for where?
No, he replied. Ive strict orders to keep you confined in the cabin, to treat you as well as your behaviour will allow, and to tell you nothing.
Well, captain, youre a sensible man, and surely youll listen to reason.